The World Surf League (WSL) has unveiled a significant overhaul of its Championship Tour (CT) format, set to take effect in 2026. This revamp includes the return of the iconic Pipe Masters as the season finale, a shift from the previous format that had drawn criticism from fans and surfers alike. The changes aim to enhance the competitive experience and align with the sport’s evolving landscape as professional surfing approaches its 50th anniversary.
Key Takeaways
- The Pipe Masters will return as the season-ending event for both men and women.
- The controversial "Final Five" format has been scrapped in favor of a cumulative rankings system.
- The mid-season cut will be adjusted, allowing all surfers to compete in the first nine events.
- Non-elimination rounds will be eliminated, increasing the stakes for every heat.
- The women’s field will expand from 18 to 24 surfers, promoting greater inclusivity.
Revamped Championship Tour Format
Starting in April 2026, the CT will feature a total of 12 events, beginning in Australia and culminating at Pipeline in Hawaii. The new format will consist of:
- Nine Regular Season Events: Surfers will compete in nine events, with the best seven results counting towards their rankings.
- Two Postseason Events: Following the regular season, the top surfers will compete in two additional events in Portugal and Abu Dhabi.
- Pipe Masters Finale: The season will conclude with the Pipe Masters, where the top eight surfers will receive advantageous seeding based on their performance in the postseason events.
Changes to Scoring and Format
The Pipe Masters will now award 15,000 points, making it the most critical event on the tour. The final rankings for world champions will be determined by:
- Best seven results from the nine regular season events.
- Results from the two postseason events.
- Performance at the Pipe Masters.
This cumulative ranking system replaces the previous one-day, winner-takes-all format, which had been criticized for limiting the number of competitors at the season finale.
Enhanced Opportunities for Women Surfers
In a move to promote gender equality in the sport, the WSL will expand the women’s CT field from 18 to 24 surfers. This change is expected to provide more opportunities for female athletes and enhance the overall competitiveness of the tour.
Feedback-Driven Changes
WSL CEO Ryan Crosby emphasized that these changes were made in response to feedback from surfers and fans. The goal is to create a more engaging and exciting experience for both competitors and spectators. Crosby stated, "Pipeline has always held a special place in surfing history, and our fans have made it clear they want to see our sport’s most critical moments unfold there."
Conclusion
The 2026 Championship Tour promises to be a landmark season for professional surfing, with a format that honors the sport’s rich history while embracing its future. As the WSL prepares for its 50th anniversary, these changes reflect a commitment to enhancing the competitive landscape and ensuring that the sport continues to grow and evolve.
The full schedule for the 2026 CT includes:
- CT1: Bells Beach, Australia
- CT2: Margaret River, Australia
- CT3: Snapper Rocks, Australia
- CT4: Punta Roca, El Salvador
- CT5: Saquarema, Brazil
- CT6: Jeffreys Bay, South Africa
- CT7: Teahupo’o, Tahiti
- CT8: Cloudbreak, Fiji
- CT9: Lower Trestles, USA
- CT10: Surf Abu Dhabi, UAE
- CT11: Peniche, Portugal
- CT12: Pipe Masters, Hawaii
Sources
- [World Surf League admits horrible mistake, drops "final five" and moves Pipeline back to season ender in ’26!
- BeachGrit](https://beachgrit.com/2025/05/world-surf-league-admits-horrible-mistake-drops-final-five-and-moves-pipeline-back-to-season-ender/), BeachGrit.
- Pipeline back as world surf tour finale in 2026, Reuters.
- Pipeline to return as WSL finale with one-day decider scrapped for 2026 | Surfing, The Guardian.
- World Surf League revamps Championship Tour format, putting Pipe Masters in the spotlight, NBC Sports.
- World Surf League Scraps Final 5 Format, Will End Season at Pipeline in 2026, The Inertia.
